The First Class Observation Lounge

This space was decorated with works by Raymond Wendell, with two 9’ x 12’ murals on curving inboard walls on either side of the room’s center. On the port side of the lounge, Wendell's mural depicted topographical features of the North Atlantic Ocean basin done on a Mercator projection. Applied bronze arrows suggestive of flying fish indicated generally prevailing winds for this area. The mural on the starboard side showed principal patterns of surface currents through the use of broken color. Topographical features showed through, creating a watery effect of depth and movement. On this mural, applied bronze arrows suggested waves and indicated the directions of currents.

Images courtesy of the SS United States Conservancy’s Mark Perry Collection

An interesting feature of the Observation Lounge was the 14 small round tables with tops in various sky colors from midnight blue to soft dawn blue, each bearing a decoration of small white stars representing a different constellation, made by Mira Jedwabnik.

The Tourist Class Library and Theater

The Tourist Class Library was where passengers could enjoy the quiet pleasures: relaxing in a soft armchair, reading a good book from the well-stocked shelves, or taking a few moments to send off a letter to a friend at home. A subtle combination of soft blues and greens predominated here.

Modern, spacious, and acoustically perfect, the Tourist Class theater seated 199. Light walls, green chairs, and wall-to-wall carpeting created a most attractive setting for viewing pre-release films.

Images courtesy of a USL passenger brochure.

The Tourist Class Lounge

Two large alcoves of soft blue were set off by rich red carpeting, and table arrangements conducive to bridge playing and friendly conversation. In the evening, the room’s central area became a dance floor for dancing to the Meyer Davis orchestra.